Allstate Releases Social App

Tag In by Allstate allows users to stay connected via text message to friends and family in a more private way than traditional social networking, the company says.

Northbrook, Ill.-based Allstate has launched an app for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry users called Tag In by Allstate. The goal of the app is to allow users to inform friends, family or colleagues of their status and location without using multiple, less private social networks, the carrier says.

"People want to stay connected, but they're also concerned about protecting their privacy," Bob Wasserman, VP of e-business for Allstate, says in a statement. "Designed with families in mind, Tag In combines convenient social networking, location features and user control of who sees personal information. It's quicker than texting and more private than Facebook or Foursquare."

Tag In's GPS functionality and messaging features allow location information to be sent even if the user isn't sure where he or she is, Allstate says. Recipients of Tag In messaging do not need to have the application installed on their phone to receive and understand the messages, nor does the application have to be open for the user to view responses.

Nathan Golia is senior editor of Insurance & Technology. He joined the publication in 2010 as associate editor and covers all aspects of the nexus between insurance and information technology, including mobility, distribution, core systems, customer interaction, and risk ... View Full Bio